How to set standing desk height presets

Before you save: find your heights

Work out your seated and standing desk heights first. Sit with your chair set up properly and adjust the desk until your forearms are roughly horizontal at the keyboard, as the HSE display screen equipment guidance suggests. Note the height shown on the display. Then stand in your usual shoes and do the same. Our desk height chart and desk height fit tool help you find a starting point.

Saving a preset: the common M-button method

Many controllers, including those used by Flexispot and several other brands, use a memory key marked M or S. The pattern is usually:

1. 1

   Use the up and down buttons to move the desk to the height you want to save.

2. 2

   Press the M button once. The display often shows S, S-, or flashes the height.

3. 3

   Within about three to five seconds, press the number button (1, 2, 3 or 4) you want to use.

4. 4

   The display confirms with a beep, flash or the preset number.

5. 5

   Repeat for your other height on a different number.

6. 6

   Test each preset: press the number and check the desk moves to the saved height.

Controllers without an M button

Some controllers save presets by holding the number key. Move the desk to the height you want, then press and hold the number button for a few seconds until the display flashes or the controller beeps. Some touch panels need a double tap. On these controllers, pressing a number briefly recalls the preset, and holding it saves a new one.

Controllers also differ on how presets are recalled. On some, a single press moves the desk all the way; on others, you must hold the number until the desk arrives, as a safety feature. Your manual will say which.

Height limits, child lock and reminders

Many controllers let you set an upper or lower limit, so the desk cannot hit a windowsill, shelf or drawer unit. The usual pattern is to move the desk to the limit, then hold M or a combination of keys until the display shows a limit symbol. Clearing the limit uses a similar sequence. These sequences vary widely, so follow your manual.

A child lock stops the desk moving when buttons are pressed. On many controllers you hold M, or another key, for several seconds until the display shows LOC; repeat to unlock. Maidesite, Flexispot and ERGOMAKER products in our guides list a child or safety lock. Some controllers, such as Maidesite's, add a sit-stand reminder you can set for 30 minutes, 1 hour or 2 hours.

Note:Before saving a high preset, check nothing is above the desk, and before a low preset, check nothing is under it. Anti-collision helps but should not be relied on.

If presets stop working

If the desk ignores presets or forgets them, it may need a reset, which re-learns the lowest position. A power cut can also clear some settings. See our reset guide and error codes guide. If the keypad is locked, the display often shows LOC; unlock it as above.

Desks with memory presets →

Frequently asked questions

How do I save a standing desk height? Move to the height, press M, then press a number within a few seconds. Some controllers need you to hold the number instead.

How do I set Flexispot standing desk settings? Most Flexispot keypads use the M then number method, and hold M for LOC. Check the manual for your keypad model.

Why does my preset not save? You may be pressing the number too slowly after M, or the keypad is locked.

How many presets do I need? Two for one person (sit and stand), four if two people share the desk.